观察

• Pinyin: guān chá
• Hanzi breakdown: 观 = 又 (hand) + 见 (see) — to view attentively; 察 = 宀 (roof) + 祭 (sacrifice/examine) — to inspect thoroughly

Meaning

To observe; to examine carefully. To look at something closely in order to understand it.

Implies deliberate, careful looking with the aim of understanding or analysing. Used in scientific, educational, and everyday contexts. Common phrases: 仔细观察 (observe carefully), 观察力 (power of observation). More intentional than simply 看 (to look).

Examples

1. 科学家仔细观察了这种植物的生长过程。 The scientist carefully observed the growth process of this plant.
2. 老师让我们观察天空中的云。 The teacher asked us to observe the clouds in the sky.
3. 通过观察，他发现了一个有趣的现象。 Through observation, he discovered an interesting phenomenon.

Usage Guide

Context: science, education, everyday

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 你要仔细观察才能发现问题。(You need to observe carefully to find the problem.)
• 他很善于观察周围的事物。(He is very good at observing things around him.)

Don't Say

• 我观察了一下电视。(Don't use 观察 for casual watching — it implies careful study. Say 我看了一会儿电视.)

Origin & History

Compound of 观 (to view/look at) and 察 (to examine/inspect). Together they emphasise careful, deliberate examination.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal